The Alberta Teachers’ Association

This agreement is made in quintuplicate pursuant to the School Act, 1988 and the Labour Relations Code .

Between the Board of Trustees of the Greater St Albert Catholic Regional Division No 29, hereinafter called "the Board" of the first part and the Alberta Teachers' Association, a body corporate, incorporated under the laws of the Province of Alberta, hereinafter called "the Association" of the second part.

As partners, the Board and its teachers are committed to the development of quality education opportunities for students in the context of Catholic/Christian values. The Board and its teachers acknowledge that this commitment will be realized when effective communications and a relationship based on mutual trust exist between the parties.

The teachers recognize that basic to the proper management and administration of the school system, it is the Board's right and responsibility to formulate and adopt policy and regulations, not specifically limited by the terms of this agreement. The Board will exercise its rights in a fair and reasonable manner consistent with the mission statement, beliefs and values of the division.

Whereas, the Association is the bargaining agent for the teachers employed by the Board; and

Whereas the terms and conditions of employment and the salaries of the teachers have been the subject of negotiation between the parties; and

Whereas the parties desire that these matters be set forth in an agreement to govern all the terms of employment of the said teachers.

NOW THEREFORE THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSETH that in consideration of the premises and of the mutual and other covenants herein contained the parties agree as follows:

1.0 This agreement applies to all employees of the Board who as a condition of their employment must possess a valid teaching certificate issued under the authority of the Alberta Department of Education, the Province of Alberta, herein collectively called the teachers, or where in context requires, teacher, excepting thereout the superintendent and deputy superintendent.

2.0 The salaries and herein specified terms and conditions of the teacher's employment with the Board are governed exclusively by the provisions of this agreement and any statutory provisions relating thereto.

3.0 All teachers shall as a condition of their employment by the Board, be and remain members of the Association.

4.0 Commencement of Collective Bargaining

4.1 This agreement takes effect on September 1, 2000 and terminates August 31, 2001. Either party may give the other not less than 60 nor more than 180 days prior to the termination of this agreement, a notice in writing of its intention to commence collective bargaining with a view to striking a new agreement.

4.2 The Alberta Teachers' Association shall address its notice of intent to the secretary- treasurer, Greater St Albert Catholic Regional Division No 29, and the board of trustees shall address its notice of intent to the coordinator, teacher welfare, the Alberta Teachers' Association.

4.3 The initial meeting(s) shall be used to establish ground rules and procedures to be used in collective bargaining.

4.4 Notwithstanding the termination date of this agreement, if notice has been given to commence collective bargaining, the terms and conditions herein shall remain in full force and effect until otherwise altered through collective bargaining or until a strike/lockout commences, whichever occurs first.

5.0 Salary Schedule

5.1 The Board shall pay all teachers the salaries and allowances as herein set forth and computed.

5.2 The amount of university education of a teacher and the length of teaching experience computed as hereinafter provided shall together determine the annual rate of salary to be paid to each teacher employed by the Board. Tabulated below are the minimum and maximum salary rates per annum and the experience increments for each year of university education.

5.2.1 (a) Effective September 1, 2000, there will be a 3.25 percent increase across the grid.

	One	Two	Three	Four	Five	Six
0			33,186	34,798	36,994	39,516
1			34,111	36,948	39,145	41,668
2			35,039	39,099	41,296	43,816
3			35,968	41,239	43,448	45,967
4			36,894	43,387	45,593	48,105
5			37,823	45,540	47,744	50,256
6			38,752	47,744	49,943	52,460
7			39,717	49,943	52,146	54,660
8			40,726	52,146	54,344	56,863
9		38,104	41,735	54,344	56,549	59,060
10	35,307	38,866	42,759	56,549	58,748	61,266
11				58,748	60,948	63,464

(b) Effective August 31, 2001, there will be a .15 percent increase across the grid.

	One	Two	Three	Four	Five	Six
0			33,236	34,850	37,049	39,575
1			34,162	37,003	39,204	41,731
2			35,092	39,158	41,358	43,882
3			36,022	41,301	43,513	46,036
4			36,949	43,452	45,661	48,177
5			37,880	45,608	47,816	50,331
6			38,810	47,816	50,018	52,539
7			39,777	50,018	52,224	54,742
8			40,787	52,224	54,426	56,948
9		38,161	41,798	54,426	56,634	59,149
10	35,360	38,924	42,823	56,634	58,836	61,358
11				58,836	61,039	63,559

5.3 Effective September 1, 2000 substitute teachers shall be paid $127 per day with a minimum call-out of 1/2 the daily rate of pay and with the remaining time at a prorated rate of pay. Holiday pay as set forth under the Employment Standards Code is included in these rates.

6.0 Additional Allowances

6.1 In addition to the foregoing salary rates there shall be paid:

6.1.1 Functional allowances in accordance with the following schedule:

(a) A teacher designated as a director shall be paid 30 percent per annum of the fourth year maximum.

(b) Principals shall be paid an allowance at the per annum ratio rate a sum equal to 19 percent of the maximum of the fourth year of teacher training as shown in clause 5.2, subclause 5.2.1 of this agreement. As well each principal shall be paid the per annum ratio rate of $180 per full-time equivalent teacher, as set at September 30 of the teaching year, in the school in which he/she is designated principal.

(c) Vice-Principal shall be paid 55 percent of the principal's rate.

(d) A teacher designated to act as a consultant shall be paid a per annum allowance equal to 12 percent of the maximum of the fourth year of teacher training as shown in clause 5.2, subclause 5.2.1 of this agreement.

(e) A teacher designated to act as a coordinator shall be paid a per annum allowance equal to six percent of the maximum of the fourth year of teacher training as shown in clause 5.2, subclause 5.2.1 of this agreement.

(f) A teacher designated, prior to April 1, 1981, to teach an opportunity class shall be paid a per annum allowance equal to five percent of the maximum of the fourth year of teacher training as shown in clause 5.2, subclause 5.2.1 of this agreement.

(g) A person engaged in the classroom instruction of religion 75 percent or more of their teaching time shall be paid an allowance equal to six percent of the maximum of the fourth year of teacher training as shown in clause 5.2, subclause 5.2.1 of this agreement.

(h) A teacher designated to act as department head shall be paid a per annum allowance equal to three percent of the maximum of the fourth year of teacher training as shown in clause 5.2, subclause 5.2.1 of this agreement.

(i) In the application of the above clauses, no teacher shall receive more than one allowance. In the event of a teacher being eligible for more than one allowance, he/she shall receive the greater of the allowance payable.

(j) i. The Board shall pay the tuition fees for courses approved by the superintendent or designate provided that the employee successfully completes the course.

ii. Tuition fees to be paid under the preceding clause should include regular fees for approved courses but exclude nonresident fees, student activity fees and any other similar fees.

7.0 Group Insurance

7.1 The Board shall effect and maintain group life insurance applicable to and for the benefit of teachers in its employ and shall contribute an amount equal to 50 percent of the cost of such insurance. This insurance is Plan 2 of the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan.

7.1.1 The Board shall effect and maintain group extended disability salary continuance coverage applicable to and for the benefit of the teachers in its employ. This plan is designated as Plan D of the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan and the Board shall pay an amount equal to 100 percent of the cost of such insurance.

7.1.2 The Board shall effect and maintain a group dental plan applicable to and for the benefit of teachers in its employ and shall contribute an amount equal to 100 percent of the cost of such insurance. This dental plan is designated as Plan 3 of the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan.

7.2 All teachers appointed to the staff effective September 1, 1969 and thereafter shall be members of the life insurance and extended disability plans of the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan. All teachers appointed to the staff effective September 1, 1981 and thereafter, shall be members of the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan, Dental Plan 3.

7.2.1 Notwithstanding clause 7.2, an employee may waive participation in the dental plan by stating he/she has his/her coverage in the plan through his/her spouse.

7.3 The Board shall deduct from the monthly salary cheque of all teacher members of the said plan(s) the monthly premiums and shall remit same to the appropriate company as required.

7.4 It is understood that a teacher who becomes eligible for receipt of disability benefits as provided in the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan will not be entitled to receive sick pay benefits as provided for elsewhere in this contract.

8.0 Health and Hospital Insurance

8.1 Commencing January 1, 1981, the Board shall contribute 100 percent of the group premium rate towards the cost of each employee's premium for coverage under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Commission.

8.1.1 Commencing January 1, 1979, the Board shall contribute 100 percent of the group premium rate towards the cost of each employee's premium for coverage under the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan - Extended Health Care Benefits Plan 1.

8.2 The Employment Insurance Commission rebates shall be retained by the Board to be applied towards the premium costs of Plan 1, Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan.

8.3 (a) Effective July 1, 1992 all part-time teachers who are not under continuous contract shall have all paid benefit premiums prorated to the portion of full-time equivalent worked.

(b) Notwithstanding 8.3 (a), all current full-time teachers on a continuous contract, may for a predetermined time, agree to be placed on a part-time contract and continue to retain full-time paid benefits.

8.4 The Board will maintain an employee assistance policy.

9.0 Application of Salary Schedule

Effective September 1, 1999 the salary schedule shall be applied on a full increment basis.

9.1 Experience Increments

A year of teaching experience is any one school year during which a teacher under contract has received salary for not less than 120 full days.

9.1.1 When a year of teaching experience has been earned, the teacher shall not begin to earn credit towrad another year of teaching experience until the commencement of another school year or February 1.

9.1.2 Part-time teachers under contract with the Board will, at the beginning of the next school year or February 1, be granted credit for an experience increment when the accumulated total of equivalent full days during which service is provided to the Board within three consecutive years with the Board is 120 days or more.

9.2 Credit for Previous Teaching Experience

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing and in accordance with the School Act, 1988:

Teaching experience obtained by a teacher prior to engagement by the Board is counted as if it had been teaching experience in schools under the Board's jurisdiction.

9.2.1 Salary Adjustment - Termination of Teaching Between 100 - 200 Days

A full time teacher under contract for a period including all the teaching days of a school year, but who teaches 100 or more days, shall be paid on a 1/12 basis for each month and adjusted in June or on completion of service for that school year to his/her full annual salary less 1/200 part of his/her annual salary for each day upon which he/she did not teach.

9.2.2 Salary Adjustment - Termination of Teaching After 100 Days

Notwithstanding clause 9.2.1, a full-time teacher under contract for a period including all the teaching days of a school year, but who terminates his/her service prior to the end of the school year (but having taught 100 days), shall be paid on a 1/12 basis for each month and adjusted upon termination of service to 1/200 part of his/her annual salary for each day taught.

9.2.3 Salary Adjustment - Termination of Teaching Before 100 Days

A full-time teacher under contract for a period including all the teaching days of a school year but who teaches fewer than 100 teaching days, shall be paid on a 1/12 basis for each month and adjusted upon termination of service to 1/200 part of his/her annual salary for each day taught.

9.2.4 Salary Adjustment - Contract Period Less Than 200 Days

A full-time teacher under contract for a period that does not include all the teaching days of a school year shall be paid on a 1/12 basis for each month and adjusted upon termination of service to 1/200 part of his/her annual salary for each day taught.

9.2.5 Payment of Allowance - Change in Designation

Where a change in designation occurs during the school year, the allowance for the designation shall be calculated on the basis of 1/200 for each day.

9.3 The adjustment date for change in the number of increments allowed for the teaching experience shall be at the commencement of the school year.

9.4 Notwithstanding any of the foregoing:

9.4.1 A teacher holding a letter of authority, engaged subsequent to January 1, 1971, is not, until he/she submits proof of holding an Alberta teaching certificate, entitled to receive more than five experience increments.

9.5 No teacher shall receive increments for experience gained while he was not holding a valid teaching certificate.

9.6 A teacher contracted to teach less than full-time shall receive a salary according to his/her placement on the salary schedule, prorated in proportion to the time contracted.

9.7 When a substitute teacher teaches in the same classroom for a period of six or more consecutive days, that teacher will be paid 1/200 of his/her salary as on the salary schedule effective from the first day taught in that classroom.

9.7.1 Substitute teachers will be granted credit for an experience increment for salary purposes when the accumulated total or equivalent full days taught within three consecutive years with the Board is 120 days or more.

10.0 University Education

10.1 The Alberta Teachers' Association Teacher Qualifications Service shall evaluate a teacher's university education for salary purposes in accordance with the policies and principles approved by the Teacher Salary Qualifications Board established by memorandum of agreement among Alberta Department of Education, the Alberta Teachers' Association and the Alberta School Boards Association (formerly Alberta School Trustees Association) dated on March 23, 1967.

10.2 The adjustment date for changes in the allowance for teacher education, for teachers presently on staff, shall be September 1 or January 1, providing the certificate of evaluation setting forth teacher education for salary purposes is submitted to the secretary treasurer within 60 calendar days. Retroactive pay adjustments resulting from a change in evaluation of teacher qualifications will be included in the November pay for evaluations received prior to November 1 and in the March pay for evaluations received prior to March 1. If submitted after these dates, changes in allowances shall take effect on the first of the month following submission.

10.3 The adjustment date for changes in the allowance for all new appointees to the staff shall be the first day of commencement of duties providing the certificate of evaluation setting forth teacher education for salary purposes is submitted to the secretary treasurer on or before the 60 calendar day following the commencement of duties. If submitted after this date it shall take effect on the first of the month following submission.

10.4 No payment shall be made for teacher education or any other educational allowance which should have been claimed in previous years.

11.0 Administrative Allowances

11.1 When in the absence of the principal, the vice principal acts in his/her place for a period of 10 or more consecutive school days, the vice principal shall be designated as acting principal and shall receive an allowance equivalent to that of the principal for the period during which he/she is so designated.

12.0 Salary Payment

12.1 The regular date of payment shall be not later than the last operational Friday of the month. July and August payment shall be deposited the 15 of each month.

12.1.1 Not withstanding 12.1, the regular date of payment for the month of June shall not be later than the last operational day of that month.

13.0 Personnel Policy

13.1 Vice Principal Appointments

13.2 In a school where there are 200 or more pupils, the Board shall designate one or more teachers to be vice principals.

14.0 Cumulative Sick Leave

14.1 Sick leave, with pay, will be granted to a teacher for the purpose of obtaining necessary medical or dental treatment or because of illness, injury or disability of the teacher.

14.2 A teacher on a continued contract or teacher in the second subsequent school year of continuous service with the Board, shall have available sick leave entitlement, with pay and benefits, of 90 consecutive calendar days. This period shall serve as the elimination period for the extended disability benefit plan.

14.3 A teacher who has been absent on sick leave and returns to regular duties shall have the 90 calendar days of sick leave entitlement reinstated.

14.4 A teacher on contract, not covered by clause 14.2, shall have available sick leave entitlement, with pay and benefits, of a total of 20 teaching days or the number of teaching days determined by dividing by 9 the total number of teaching days that the teacher taught for the Board during the school year, whichever is the lesser number of teaching days. A teacher in the second year of employment with the Board, not covered by clause 14.2, shall be entitled to carry forward the unused portion of the sick leave from the previous year.

14.5 If a teacher is absent from school duties to obtain necessary medical or dental treatment or because of illness, injury or disability for a period or periods exceeding the teacher's sick leave credits, the teacher shall be paid the teacher's salary to the extent of the sick leave which stands to the teacher's credit and the teacher's sick leave shall then be reduced accordingly.

14.6 In the event that a teacher is absent on sick leave, the teacher will provide:

(a) A declaration, on a form to be provided by the Board, no later than the last day of the month in which the leave is accessed.

(b) When requested by the Board, prior to return from sick leave, a certificate signed by a qualified medical or dental practitioner where the absence is in excess of three consecutive teaching days, such certificate to be provided no later than the last day of the month in which the teacher returns to work following the leave.

(c) A further medical certificate, if requested by the Board, when the leave extends for a period of more than 30 consecutive calendar days.

14.7 A teacher who may meet the qualifying requirements for extended disability benefits shall apply for such benefits at the teacher's earliest opportunity and shall not be entitled to additional sick leave benefits after 90 consecutive calendar days.

14b.8 Teachers employed by the Board who are on the defined extended disability plan shall have benefit premiums paid by the Board as specified.

14.9 Where a teacher is eligible to receive extended disability benefits and where the teacher has insufficient sick leave to cover the period of time that the teacher must wait prior to receiving benefits under the extended disability plan and where the teacher does not qualify for benefits under the employment insurance legislation, the Board shall provide a payment equivalent to the payment the teacher would have received had the teacher been eligible for employment insurance coverage, to a maximum of 90 calendar days less the number of days accumulated under clause 14.4.

14.10 In the case of a teacher returning from extended disability leave, should the teacher suffer from a recurrence of the same disabling condition, the relevant provisions to the Alberta School Employee Benefit Plan will apply immediately. Once approved, the extended disability benefit shall be effective the first day of absence due to the recurrence.

14.11 During periods of unpaid leaves of absence, a teacher shall not be entitled to accumulate or apply sick leave except as provided in clause 15.1. The teacher shall retain the number of days of accumulated sick leave at the date of the leave commencement.

14.12 When a teacher leaves the employ of the Board, all accumulated sick leave shall be cancelled. Notwithstanding, in the case of a teacher who has five or more years of service with the Board and reenters the employ of the Board, the sick leave accumulated under clause 14.1 during the period of employment with the Board shall be reinstated provided, however, that the teacher reenters within a period of two years and that during this absence he/she was not employed by another school board.

14.13 A teacher who, as of August 31, 2000, is on sick leave, may remain on sick leave up to a maximum of the teacher's current entitlement. At the conclusion of that period of sick leave, the provisions of this agreement will apply.

15.0 Parenting Leave

15.1 Teachers are entitled to maternity leave, to a maximum of 18 weeks, which shall be granted as specified below:

15.1.1 The maternity leave will begin at the discretion of the teacher. The teacher shall, when possible, notify the Board of her leave requirements three months in advance of the first day of leave. Such notice shall include the expected due date.

15.1.2 The Board may request a statement from a physician indicating the approximate date of delivery.

15.1.3 Maternity leave shall be without pay except as provided in clause 15.1.4, but with employer contributions to employee benefits as provided in section 7.0.

15.1.4 When, during her maternity leave, a teacher is unable to work for medical reasons associated with her pregnancy, the teacher shall be eligible for the Boards' supplemental unemployment benefits (SUB) which shall provide teachers on maternity leave with 100 percent of their earnings. The SUB benefits shall be available to teachers to a maximum of 90 calendar days or for the period corresponding to the teacher's accumulated sick leave. The teacher will access extended disability benefits after 90 calendar days of continuous medical absences.

15.1.5 Teachers returning from maternity leave shall be returned to the position held at the commencement of the leave.

15.2 Teachers are entitled to adoption leave to a maximum of eight weeks which shall be granted as specified below:

15.2.1 The adoption leave shall begin at the discretion of the teacher, but no later than the date of custody of the child. Teachers shall, when possible, notify the Board of their leave requirements three months in advance of the first day of leave. The period of adoption leave shall include the date at which the parents actually take custody of the child.

15.2.2 The Board may request written proof of adoption from the adoption authority.

15.2.3 Adoption leave shall be without pay with employer contributions to employee benefits as provided in section 7.0.

15.2.4 Teachers returning from adoption leave shall be returned to the position held at the commencement of the leave.

15.2.5 Adoption leave will be available to one parent only.

15.3 A teacher, upon request to the superintendent or designate, will be granted one day paternity leave, with pay, for the birth of his child provided that the birth takes place on a school day.

15.4 Teachers are entitled to parenting leave as specified below:

15.4.1 Parenting leave may be available to either or both parents of a newborn or newly adopted child.

15.4.2 Parenting leave shall be without pay and without employer contributions to employee benefits.

15.4.3 Parenting leave is available at a maximum, to the end of the school year following the school year in which the birth or adoption occurred.

15.4.4 Teachers shall notify the Board of their intent to take such leave as soon as possible, but no later than four weeks preceding the effective date of the leave (except in the case of adoption where it may not be possible to do so).

15.4.5 Teachers shall establish their return date in consultation with the superintendent. Unless the Board agrees, return shall normally be at natural breaks in the school year, understood to also include reporting periods.

15.4.6 Teachers will be returned to the position held at the commencement of the leave or to a position which most nearly equates with that position, commensurate with training and experience.

15.4.7 Teachers not returned to the same position shall be given reasonable notice of their change of assignment.

16.0 Sabbatical Leave and Professional Development

16.1 Professional Development Fund

The board of trustees shall ensure that each school budgets an amount equal to $100 per full-time equivalent teacher for professional development activities.

16.2 Sabbatical leave shall mean leave of absence granted at the discretion of the Board on application by a teacher for the following reasons:

16.2.1 Study approved by the Board for improving the teacher's academic or professional education.

16.2.2 Travel or experience which is approved by the Board as being useful in improving the teacher's service.

16.2.3 For other personal reasons.

16.3 To be eligible for sabbatical leave under clause 16.2.1 the teacher shall have served the Board for five consecutive years.

16.4 To be eligible for sabbatical leave under clauses 16.2.2 and 16.2.3 the teacher shall have served the Board for 10 consecutive years.

16.5 A teacher who is granted sabbatical leave shall give an undertaking in writing to return to his/her duties following expiration of his/her leave and shall not resign or retire from teaching service, other than by mutual agreement between the Board and the teacher, for a period of at least two years after resuming his/her duties.

16.6 All applications for sabbatical leave shall be submitted to the Board by February 1 preceding the school year in which the sabbatical leave is to commence.

16.7 The Board shall, after reviewing the applications for sabbatical leave, determine both the number and the persons to be granted sabbatical leave of absence after considering the seniority of each applicant and the interests of the school system.

16.8 A teacher who is granted sabbatical leave for a full year shall receive as salary 60 percent of the fourth year maximum shown in grid under clause 5.2, subclause 5.2.1 of the agreement in effect for them during the year while they are on sabbatical leave payable in equal monthly installments.

16.9 A period of sabbatical leave shall not be considered as an equal period of classroom service for salary purposes.

16.10 Upon resumption of duties, the teacher shall be returned to a position with the division. This applies only to leave granted under clause 16.0.

16.11 A teacher who has 12 years of service with the Board may be granted a leave of absence for one year at 20 percent of salary on the approval of the superintendent or designate providing there is no cost to the Board.

17.0 Leave of Absence

17.1 A teacher is entitled to a temporary leave of absence with pay under subclauses 17.1.1, 17.1.2, 17.1.3 and 17.1.4 and such leave is deemed to be an authorized absence approved by the Board pursuant to Section 92(1)(d)(i) of the School Act, RSA, 1988.

Notification of the taking of leaves under subclauses 17.1.1, 17.1.2, 17.1.3 and 17.1.4 shall be made as soon as possible to the teacher's or administrator's immediate supervisor.

17.1.1 for not more than three teaching days because of the critical illness or death of son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law; and for not more than five teaching days because of the critical illness or death of a spouse, child, grandchild, parent, brother, sister, grandparent, parents of spouse or other relative who is a member of the teacher's household. These leaves may be extended upon application to and at the discretion of the Board.

17.1.2 for the period necessary to attend convocation of the university at which they or their son, daughter or spouse is receiving a degree.

17.1.3 for not more than one day in order to write an examination in an academic or professional course approved by the Board.

17.1.4 because of impassable roads or suspension of public transportation facilities.

17.1.5 The Board shall grant a leave of absence without loss of salary:

(a) for jury duty or any summons related thereto;

(b) to answer a subpoena or summons to attend as a witness, other than as the accused/defendant, in any proceeding authorized by law to compel the attendance of witnesses provided that the teacher remits to the Board any witness fee or jury stipend (excluding allowances and/or expenses) set by the court or other body.

17.2 Upon application to and at the discretion of the superintendent or designate, leaves of absence may be granted for the following purpose:

17.2.1 to attend the funeral of any person other than those mentioned in subclause 17.1.1.

17.2.2 to attend an approved conference, convention or other meeting.

17.2.3 to visit other schools.

17.2.4 to conduct approved business connected with the school system.

17.3 Temporary leave of absence with pay, upon approval of the superintendent or designate, shall be granted provided the Board is reimbursed for the cost of substitute teaching to a maximum of the teacher on leave's salary for that period to teachers:

17.3.1 attending meetings of the Provincial Executive Council of the Alberta Teachers' Association, or any committee thereof, or to attend other meetings as representatives of that Association.

17.3.2 attending any public event of educational value.

17.3.3 required to leave before the end of school term or to return after school opening in September because of enrolment in an educational institution for a program of summer study.

17.3.4 to attend meetings of committees or boards of the Alberta Department of Education, meetings of the Senate of the University of Alberta or meetings of municipal bodies of which he/she is a member.

17.4 In addition to the foregoing, a teacher may apply for leave of absence for other personal reasons. The superintendent or designate in his discretion may grant such leaves with pay providing the leave does not exceed five days in any school year.

For leave under 17.4 the Board will provide the substitute teacher and for the purpose of 17.4(a) only, "days" will be interpreted to mean the first two "occasions" on which personal leave is taken and:

(a) for the first two days, deduct .5 of the cost of the substitute teacher for the teacher on leave.

(b) for the remaining days, deduct the cost of the substitute teacher from the teacher on leave.

17.5 The Board may approve teaching exchange arranged through the teacher exchange service of Alberta Education or the Canadian Education Association upon a teacher's application.

17.6 The Board will maintain a political leave policy.

17.7 The Board will maintain a long-term leave of absence policy.

18.0 Conditions for Professional Service

18.1 It is the Board's intent to ensure that schools operate as closely as possible to the required hours of instruction as mandated by Alberta Learning (ie, 950 hours of instruction per year for elementary and junior high schools; 1,000 hours per year for senior high schools). The parties recognize that schools require flexibility to meet their unique organizational and program needs.

18.1.1 Full-time elementary and junior high school teachers may be assigned up to 93.3 percent of the total yearly instructional time of the school.

18.1.2 Full-time teacher in senior and combined junior/senior high schools may be assigned up to 87.5 percent of the total yearly instructional time of the school.

18.1.3 Assigned instructional time for part-time teachers will be prorated in accordance with their full-time equivalency.

18.1.4 It is acknowledged that schools may require some flexibility in deploying teaching staff to meet the educational needs of students. In the event that a school considers exceeding the limits on assigned instructional time as specified in clauses 18.1.1, 18.1.2 and 18.1.3, such change shall be determined through a collaborative process as outlined in addendum A.

18.2 On or before January 31 of each year, a joint committee consisting of equal representation of the parties shall review this article. Following the third year of its implementation, such a review shall occur upon the request of either party.

18.3 The policy advisory committee with membership of at least one teacher from each school elected by the staff, one teacher appointed by the Local, one member appointed by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 2550; one member appointed by the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada, Local Union No 72-A; two members of the board of trustees, superintendent, deputy superintendent; and one principal from the superintendent's advisory council shall have the powers of a committee set up by the Board. It shall be responsible for preparing recommendations for the Board concerning the operation of the schools.

18.4 Lunch Time and Noon Hour Supervision

The board of trustees shall ensure that each school budgets an amount equal to $10 per full-time equivalent student, to provide for lunch time and noon hour supervision. The fund may be utilized for alternate purposes at the discretion of the professional staff in the individual schools.

19.0 Job Sharing

19.1 Where two teachers wish to share one full-time teaching position, they may apply to the Board for a shared job assignment. Such application must be made no later than April 30 of the school year immediately preceding the year in which the job sharing is to take place.

19.2 A shared job assignment may be granted by the Board in accordance with the following terms:

19.2.1 The proportion of a full-time position taught by each teacher shall be mutually decided by the two teachers and must be agreeable to the Board.

19.2.2 Notwithstanding any other clause in this agreement, the cost of premiums for benefits for which the teachers are eligible under the terms of this agreement shall be shared between each teacher and the Board. The Board shall be responsible for the proportion of benefit costs equal to the proportion of the full-time position taught by each teacher.

19.2.3 On approval of the application of the teachers, the Board shall grant the shared job assignment for a guaranteed period of one school year. By April 30 in the school year of the shared job assignment, the teachers involved must advise the Board that they wish to return to their former status or they must apply for a continuation of the shared job assignment.

19.2.4 In the event that one of the teachers involved in the shared teaching position ceases to perform his/her teaching duties for any reason whatsoever, the Board may, upon 14 days' notice in writing, require the other teacher involved to assume the full-time duties of the formerly shared position.

20.0 Liability Insurance

20.1 The Board shall acquire and keep in force an adequate policy or policies of insurance, insuring each teacher in its employ, when acting in the course of such teacher's employment, against liability in respect of any claim for damages or personal injury.

21.0 Grievance Procedure

21.1 There shall be established an interpretation committee, composed of two representatives of the Board and two representatives of the Association.

21.1.1 It shall be the duty of this committee to meet and endeavor to make recommendations on all grievances concerning the interpretation, application, operation or any alleged violation of this agreement.

21.1.2 A quorum of this committee shall consist of all members.

21.2 Any teacher who considers that he/she has a grievance arising out of this agreement shall promptly lodge in writing a statement of the nature of this grievance to the secretary of the Local Association who shall supply a copy of the statement to the secretary treasurer of the Board.

21.2.1 The secretary of the Local Association shall within 5 days thereafter give written notice to the secretary treasurer of the Board and to the members of the interpretation committee requesting consideration of the grievance.

21.3 When the interpretation committee receives notice of the submission of a grievance, it shall be required to meet and make recommendation within 21 days following the receipt of such notice.

21.3.1 The interpretation committee shall make its recommendation to the secretary treasurer and, within 10 days of having received the recommendation, he/she shall use the recommendation to determine the disposition of the grievance.

21.4 Failing settlement being reached, the grievor concerned shall within 10 days of receipt of the secretary treasurer's decision, notify the school board in writing that the grievor rejects such decision and within 10 days the school board's grievance committee shall review the grievance and render a written decision.

21.5 If the grievance is unresolved, either of the parties may notify the other in writing within 10 days of the decision of its desire to submit the difference to an arbitration board as herein provided.

21.5.1 Each party shall appoint one member as its representative on the arbitration board within seven days of such notice and the two members so appointed shall endeavor to select an independent chairman.

21.5.2 If the two members fail to select a chairman within five days after the day on which the last of the two members is appointed, they shall request the director of mediation services, Alberta Labour, to select a chairman.

21.5.3 The arbitration board shall not change, modify or alter any of the terms of this agreement. All grievances or differences submitted shall present an arbitrable issue under this agreement, and shall not depend on or involve any issue or contention by either party that is contrary to any provisions of this agreement or that involves the determination of a subject matter not covered by, or arising during the term of this agreement.

21.5.4 The arbitration board shall give its decision not later than 14 days after the appointment of the chairman except that with the consent of the Board and the Local of the Association such limitation of time may be extended. The findings and decision of the majority of the members of an arbitration board shall be the findings and decision of the arbitration board and shall be binding on the parties.

21.5.5 Each party to the grievance shall bear the expenses of its respective nominee and the parties shall bear equally the expenses of the chairman.

21.5.6 Where any reference in clauses 21 to 21.5.5 are to a period of days, such period shall be exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays.

22.0 Miscellaneous

22.1 Nothing herein contained shall reduce the basic salary of a teacher as referred to in clause 5.2, subclause 5.2.1 of this agreement, below the amount payable immediately prior to the effective date of this agreement.

22.1.1 Clause 22.1 shall be suspended for the term of this agreement.

22.2 The Board will provide a one-time reimbursement of no more than $200 per school year to a teacher who incurs loss or damage to eyeglass frames and/or lenses during the performance of duties. If the teacher is covered under any other insurance plan, claims may be made to reimburse only costs not covered under the other plan.

23.0 This agreement supersedes any previous agreement affecting the parties hereto.

24.0 This agreement shall ensure to the benefit of and be binding upon the parties and their successors.

ADDENDUM A

Process for Determining Changes to Assigned Instructional Time in Accordance with Clause 18.1.4

When consideration is being given to exceeding limits on assigned instructional time, it is expected that a school's administration and teaching staff would adopt the following guidelines:

Collaboration/Consensus

• School administrators will provide the opportunity for professional staff to participate in discussions relative to the organizational and staffing needs of the school for the subsequent school year.

• Professional staff will be provided with all relevant information as it relates to assigned instructional time.

• Professional staff will be encouraged to participate in discussing, exploring and deciding on whether to exceed the limits on assigned instructional time.

• Where possible, a decision to exceed the limits on assigned instructional time will be reached through consensus.

• Where consensus is not reached, the administration and professional staff of a school will vote by secret ballot. A 2/3 majority will be required for a school to exceed the stated limits on assigned instructional time.

LETTER OF INTENT

The Board and the Association acknowledge that a strong, positive working relationship is best sustained through effective communication. To this end, the parties agree to establish a forum for discussing issues that arise which may affect the work life of teachers and/or Board operations.

The parties agree that the following terms and conditions for this forum should apply:

1. At its organizational meeting in the fall of 2000, the Board will establish a Board/ATA liaison standing committee.

2. The standing committee will consist of three representatives from each of the parties.

3. The standing committee will meet prior to the end of October 2000 for the purpose of establishing its terms of reference.

4. The standing committee will continue to exist for a period of two years at which time it will be subject to review by the parties.

LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING

Between

Greater St Albert Regional Division No 29 (The Board)

and

Alberta Teachers' Association Local No 23 (The ATA)

Actions to be Taken in Pertaining to the Staffing Process Commencing August 30, 2000:

1. The staffing process will include provisions for those teachers on a part-time continuous contract to be given due consideration:

(a) when awarding full-time continuous contracts

(b) if any radical reduction of FTE is to occur

2. A data base of all part-time teachers who are desiring full-time positions will be established and that a communication process will be devised to inform division staff, through the liaison committee, of the demographics of part-time and full-time teachers.